§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on measures being undertaken by the river purification boards within Scotland to improve water quality.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 24 May 1990]: The seven Scottish river purification boards, which are responsible for issuing consents for the discharge of trade and sewage effluent, setting appropriate conditions and reviewing these from time to time, carry out extensive monitoring of the waters for which they are responsible. Where necessary they refer cases of pollution to the procurator fiscal for consideration of prosecution. The boards may commission and undertake research and provide advice.
The river purification boards are required by statute to submit annual reports containing comprehensive details of their activities to my right hon. and learned Friend. Copies of these reports are placed in the Library of the House. In 494W addition, officials of the Scottish Development Department maintain close liaison with officers of the boards regarding their work.